How Do You Carry a Microscope?

With the advent of science, several tools and equipment have been created to make discoveries and scientific research easy. One such laboratory instrument is the microscope. A microscope is used to examine anything invisible to the naked eye. The use of the microscope has led scientists to discover so much and so easily. There are different types of microscopes with different microscopic lenses that offer visibility of different ranges. Microscopes are considered to be extremely expensive laboratory equipment. Companies pay huge amounts to buy them. They are also very heavy and if you fail to handle them properly and drop them, there are chances that it will be broken or any component will be dislodged.

So, while using a microscope you must learn how to carry a microscope and what to avoid while handling it. Keep reading to find out how to carry a microscope and much more.

How Do You Carry a Microscope in 6 Easy Steps?

Microscopes are fragile and heavy; they need special care while handling them. Make sure to follow these simple steps to carry a microscope correctly.

• The best way to carry a microscope is by putting one hand on the arm of the microscope and the other hand on the base.
• Avoid touching the most delicate parts of the microscope, i.e., the lens. This part can be easily damaged if mishandled.
• Before carrying your microscope from one place to another make sure that it is powered off and the stage is locked.
• Then gently lift the microscope from the base. Be careful not to bump anything.
• If a microscope is going to be carried for a longer distance, then it is better to wrap it in a padded case or a special bag that is used to carry the microscope.
• When you have placed the microscope back then before using it make sure that all the parts are secure. 

How to Put Down a Microscope?

Once you have picked up the microscope carefully, it is important to put it down safely as well. Follow these simple 5 steps to put down a microscope safely:

• First and the most important thing is to make sure that the microscope is powered off and unplugged.
• Find a place to put down a microscope beforehand. Avoid opening a cabinet with one hand while holding the microscope in your other hand.
• The surface where you are going to place the microscope should be leveled and flat.
• Make sure to set a microscope on its side so that the stage faces up.
• Put a dust cover on the lens to protect them from dust.

What to Avoid While Carrying a Microscope?

Certain things should be avoided while carrying a microscope. Let’s go through them:

• Don’t carry a microscope by its lens or stage. These parts are unable to carry the weight and pressure required to carry a microscope.
• No matter how lightweight your microscope is, never carry it with one hand.
• Never carry the microscope while it is still plugged in. This can result in a loss of grip and the microscope can fall.
• Don’t carry a microscope while a wet slide is still in place. The moisture of the wet slide can damage the microscope. Remove the wet slide by using a slide remover or a cloth before carrying it anywhere.
• Remove the camera mounts before carrying a microscope. The weight of the camera mounts can cause an imbalance making it difficult to handle the microscope.

What Happens if Microscope Gets Dropped?

Even after being so careful sometimes microscopes get dropped. If this happens make sure to check for any visible damage first and then check the following parts of the microscope:

• Check the illuminator, and adjust the light intensity to see if it works or not.
• Check the stage by moving it up and down.
• Check if the condenser is in place or not.
• Check the lens by examining a slide, and note if there are any distortions or cracks. This is a sign of concern.

Final Takeaway

Microscopes are an important lab instrument. They help in examining microorganisms, such as germs, and anything invisible to the visible eye. They have different types that can range to even 2000x magnification and high-resolution ranges. All types of microscopes are expensive and they need special care for their handling and storage. The correct way of carrying a microscope is to hold it with both hands, one on the arm and the other on the base. They should not be carried from their delicate parts as they cannot bear the weight and pressure. If you want your microscopes to stay in good condition for a long period then it is important to learn the correct way to carry them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some frequently asked questions about carrying microscopes are mentioned below:

Which two parts are used while carrying a microscope?

The arm and base are the two parts used to carry the microscope. Both of them should be held simultaneously.

Why a microscope is carried using two hands?

Using two hands, one on the arm and the other on the base is the most appropriate and stable way to carry the microscope. In this way, the chances of dropping the microscope are reduced.

How to store a microscope?

It’s pretty easy to properly store a microscope. Start by keeping it clean and always cover it with a dust slip when not in use. Other instructions include, keeping it in a dry place, avoiding touching the lens, and preventing it from direct sunlight.